King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Sunday, November 09, 2025
Chapters: Mark 14, Luke 22
Message: Mark/Luke: Willing Spirit Weak Flesh
Hello My Friend,
As we continue in the reading of the Gospels, we learn that while our spirit is often willing to follow the will of God, the flesh is weak in that temptation often lurks at the door to keep us away from it, [Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.]
This is exactly why our own works never have no ever could save our soul, we just have too much pride in us to admit that we cannot follow the will of God in our own flesh, [1 Corinthians 2:12-14 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.]
I am excited today, even though I woke up late because my alarm did not go off, I was able to make a batch of apple cinnamon muffins and pecan strudel pumpkin bread for my ladies Sunday school class and the house is still smelling wonderful. There is something about the aroma of fall spices that invites comfort and coziness, but couple it with doing it for Jesus and there is a whole other level of comfort for the spirit and soul. We are told that whenever we attempt to feed the flesh alone that it will always desire more and it is so true because it is never satisfied. However, when we work on the spirit by feeding off the Holy Spirit that is inside of us, then it becomes two fold because it satisfies our spirit and body with that sweet aroma God sends off.
[2 Corinthians 2:14-17 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.]
Think about it, those who love or seek God will find comfort in those who are saved as they emit off the love of Jesus through them. On the other hand, those who despise God will find anger, bitterness, and conviction in themselves as they see Jesus through the ones who are saved. Now, Mark and Luke, also give the account of the chief priests and scribes plot to kill Jesus and the events that lead to His capture. As always, Mark, gets right to the point, although his account is almost identical to Matthew’s.
[Mark 14:1-5 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. 2 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people. 3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. 4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.]
The uproar meaning, many believed on Jesus and may go after them if they would just up and take Him like they wanted to. Now, Luke’s account gives us a little more insight as to what brought Judas to betray Jesus, in fact, goes on to tell us who it was that enticed him, Satan himself.
[Luke 22:3-9 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. 4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. 5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. 6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. 7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. 8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. 9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?]
Judas, was not a believer, which was why it was easy for the devil to possess his soul and follow through with this horrible agreement that he made with these men. Did you know that the devil cannot be in more that one place at a time? He also cannot posses a saved soul, but he can send his demons to oppress them. Satan, waits until our flesh is weak and vulnerable before he makes his move, which is when he tempted Jesus, [Luke 4:1-3 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. 3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.]
Now, the very next day, Jesus, sent a couple of the disciples to go prepare for the Passover meal, and He had a specific place in mind, [Mark 14:13-17 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. 14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? 15 And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us. 16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. 17 And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.]
Luke, specifically points out that it was Peter and John who prepared the lamb for the Passover meal, but it was Mark who revealed that Jesus knew that one of them was going to betray Him that night, [Mark 14:18-21 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me. 19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? 20 And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish. 21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.]
So, here are these men, sharing a loaf of bread, and dipping it in this sauce called Charoseth, which contained smashed fruit and nuts, mixed with vinegar and spices, including cinnamon, in memory of the clay that was used when they were slaves to Egypt and how they were set free. So, it really could have been any one of them since none of them had technically be saved yet. Nevertheless, it was His as they say, His last right to have one last meal with the men who had spent the last three and a half years with Him.
[Luke 22:15-20 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: 18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.]
The Kingdom of God would come after Christ’s passion and He arose, this is the spiritual kingdom that all who accept Him as their Saviour become a part of the second they receive Him. And just like that dip they used to remember how they were slaves to Egypt and now set free, Jesus wanted them and all believers to do something to remind them of what Jesus did to set them free. What He said to them completely went over their heads at the time because the only thing they could talk about was who in their right mind would betray Jesus.
[Luke 22:23-30 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. 24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. 25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. 26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. 28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. 29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.]
The temptations that Jesus is talking about are divers temptations, these are the trying of our faith temptations used by Satan in an attempt to get us to deny Christ all together. Again, Jesus knows the difference, [James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.]
Jesus, points out to all of them that they would be denying Him, [Mark 14:26-31 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. 28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. 29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. 30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. 31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.]
We are to never think ourselves too strong in our faith that we are not capable of denying Jesus. It is not as though we intentionally deny Christ, but if those divers temptations get the best of us, they certainly can bring us to do things that we would not think about doing otherwise, [James 1:13-14 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.]
Jesus was referring to this verse in regards to the shepherd, [Zechariah 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.] However, we need to also recognize the rest of the passage, [Zechariah 13:8-9 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. 9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.]
As strong as our faith is, there are times when we do get offended, and I am not talking about doubting our salvation, I am talking about enduring those temptations. We cab get scared or worried that we are going to get hurt, and therefore, end up trying to handle things on our own rather than trust God. Well, all of those trials and tribulations that we encounter after we are saved are being used to put us in the fire and refine us into someone resembling God’s Son. Now, there is a time to actually lay low and to fight, Jesus, has always told us that it is better to turn the other cheek than fight, but we are not push overs. Jesus, goes on to tell them that now it was time for them to be ready to fight.
[Luke 22:31-32,35-37 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 35-37 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. 36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. 37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.]
Jesus, is letting them know that the things about to happen are going to happen quickly, and they are going to be painful, but it will all work out in the end. We too have an expected end of all the pain and sorrow we face, and will never have to suffer ever again, [Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.]
Jesus, may have spoken directly to Peter, but He was talking to all the disciples, including us today. Until we get saved, Satan has every opportunity to posses our soul, but the second we do, he cannot, but he can continue to oppress us. That is what Jesus was referring to, none of us will say that we will deny Christ, and yet there are times when we actually do without realizing this. Well, the time drew near that Jesus would be captured, He left the disciples that were with him and went up to pray.
[Mark 14:32-36 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.]
I think about this and it reminds me that we all have a cup that we must bear, I watch my mom as she struggles with the pain she is facing because there is nothing that I or anyone else can do to fix this for her. These things are out of my control, things that bring me great sorrow and a heavy heart, but I do know the one who is in control. Jesus, was is such pain and agony over what was about to happen that He was sweating drops of blood from His face, but suddenly an angel appeared.
[Luke 22:43-46 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.]
We all have angels watching over us and ministering to us. Think about it, have you ever been in so much pain or agony over something only to suddenly have this calmness come about you? That is our angel letting us know that everything is in God’s hands. On the other hand, when we are weak in the flesh and our heart is not one hundred percent on God, that is when Satan will creep in, [Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.]
Jesus, came here for one reason, and that was to be that Passover lamb that would save every soul who believes in Him, and therefore, He was willing to do whatever it took. And now, His passion was about to begin, no sooner than Jesus tells the disciples to wake up, here comes Judas with an army, [Mark 14:43-45 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. 46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.]
Did you notice what Judas said? That is not something that you would expect to hear from someone who would betray you. Judas, oblivious to how serious this was, was starting to develop a conscience, especially after what Jesus said to him, [Luke 22:49-53 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? 50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? 53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.]
Wow! Right here, Jesus is telling Satan that this was his hour. The key to keeping our faith strong so that when Satan does sift us like wheat is to keep our heart perfect toward Christ. Now, as they took Jesus away, there was all kinds of commotion, people were following to see what was going to happen, including one man who showed up in a linen cloth.
[Mark 14:51-56 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: 52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked. 53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. 54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. 55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. 56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.]
This young man, followed the crowd as they were taking Jesus away, whether he was one of the disciples who knew Jesus or was just curious, the Roman soldiers took him to at least be associated with Him and when one of them grabbed a hold of the cloth around his body, he fled. This showed the seriousness of just how ruthless these people were, they did not care who it was, if they knew Jesus or followed Him, they too would have been captured. Meanwhile, there was Peter casually following at a distance, but he could not hide who he was, people in the crowd started recognizing him and just like Jesus told him he denied Jesus three times and heard that rooster too.
[Luke 22:55-61 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. 57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. 60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. 61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.]
I know Peter was feeling pretty horrible right now, Jesus, may have looked at Peter with sorrow or disappointment at the time, but knew he was only acting out in fear and that did not stop Him from using him later on. We are not always going to endure those divers temptations very well, in fact, we will fail Him quite often, but Jesus knows our true heart and faith and does not take it personally, He just tells us to get back up, [Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.]
Since the chief priests and council really had no merit to capture and kill Jesus themselves, they tried to find witnesses that would justify their capturing Him so that they can bring Him before the governor.
[Mark 14:60-65 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? 61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? 62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? 64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. 65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.]
Caiaphas, felt the imperative need of quick action to save the day, from the council having to release Jesus, but His admitting that He is God was enough to condemn Him to death as if any other person would come up with such a claim they would be consider blasphemers. And all this is written for our learning that we may know that Christ humbled Himself and permitted Himself to be accused, condemned, and killed for our sake
Today’s Prayer: Jesus, I know that my flesh is weak and my faith is not always strong, I might not always be in Your will, but I do know that You are with me every step of the way. Living in Your will is not always easy, I have to give up some of the things I love, suffer through some things, deal with ungodly people, who say they are Christians, even do some things I do not want to do, but I know that it comes with the greatest rewards. Lord, lead me and guide me, give me Your power, mercy, and grace, keep my heart tender and willing, show me the path You have for me, give me the wisdom, understanding, discernment, and strength I need to endure its temptations. Keep me looking to You at all times so that I can boldly proclaim You are mine, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from all evil. I pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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